International Conference on Autism Research Updates opens
ABU DHABI: Under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, the 12th edition of the International Conference on Autism Research Updates, titled “Challenges and Solutions,” kicked off on Saturday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
The conference is organised in collaboration and coordination with ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), and Lotus Holistic Abu Dhabi, and will continue until April 30th.
The conference aims to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder and maximise the benefit from practical research and studies presented during the conference, which is held in Abu Dhabi for the second consecutive year.
It includes approximately 20 sessions to present and discuss the latest developments in autism research, 41 workshops, and 91 lectures covering various thematic areas (biology, medicine, and behavioral sciences), as well as a number of dialogue sessions with parents and decision-makers.
More than 100 speakers from over 20 countries specialising in behavioral modification, biomedicine, and its updates are participating, with simultaneous translation into three languages (Arabic, Russian, and English).
Abdullah Al-hamidani, the Secretary-general of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, stated that the organisation of this conference for the second consecutive year in Abu Dhabi builds upon the success of the previous edition, aiming to continue the achievements in the care and rehabilitation of various categories of people with disabilities, especially those with autism spectrum disorder.
He expressed hope that these successes would be sustained through this global gathering, where experiences are exchanged, fruitful experiments are presented, and various topics are objectively and scientifically discussed, enriching the experiences and expertise of all participants and specialists in this field to support the development of services and methods of care and rehabilitation for children, youth, and adults with autism spectrum disorder.
During his speech at the opening session of the conference, he emphasised that autism spectrum disorder represents a real challenge facing the modern world, and its severity has escalated to a point where addressing this problem requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, from scientific institutions to national and international bodies, to parents.
He pointed out that autism spectrum disorder is a comprehensive disability that affects many aspects of individuals affected by it, and combating its spread and treating it requires a multidimensional approach, starting with a support system for those affected from childhood, requiring a comprehensive intervention from a multidisciplinary team, continuous and united to deal with multiple aspects and dimensions.
He stressed that building this support system can only be achieved after raising awareness, educating, and informing families, scientists, practitioners, and specialists from all different disciplines to create an inclusive and enabling society for this group.